An Approach to the Small Islands Problem: An Introduction

Abstract

This paper will attempt to establish a “typical island model” and explore what issues are common for small islands from a primarily economic standpoint.
We are interested in the study of small islands located in the open sea and/or islands located afar from large land masses and have population level below 100 thousand.
First, we shall be picking out five factors as useful parameters for defining the circumstances common among small islands. They are: a) the natural environment, b) political aspects, c) economic issues, e) social, and f) cultural problems.
The small island problems will be boiled down to the following economic issues: Can the islands survive? And/or will deteriorating living standards of small islands societies unavoidable?
There are those in the small islands that are hoping to match the level of income flow that takes place in urban centers, but it is a goal nearly impossible to accomplish.
Growth oriented ideology, as represented by the desire to increase income levels, will merely contribute to the enhancement in the means of everyday life. It is important to be aware that satisfaction that arises from living a life is not based on material income levels (material wellbeing) per se, but instead it is dependent on psychic income levels (mental wellbeing) of the individual.
What is most salient toward solving the small island issues is a paradigm shift, a new perspective and outlook upon the circumstances at hand.